After weeks of negotiations Chelsea have finally agreed the much-anticipated transfer for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports from The Sun and Football Italia.
It has been reported that Bonucci will pen down a 3-year contract after agreeing personal terms with The Blues although Juventus are yet to sanction his departure.
The 29-year old has established himself as one of the most dominant defenders in European football with Antonio Conte desperate to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Incoming manager has worked with Bonucci at both club and International level in recent years and sees him as the ideal figure to be Chelsea’s new defensive leader.
Despite Chelsea’s strong interest, Bonucci was linked with a move to Manchester United however, Chelsea have now stolen the march for his signature by offering him a whopping £130k-per-week salary package.
What will Bonucci bring to Chelsea?
Those who have followed Bonucci’s performance last season with Juventus and at the ongoing Euro 2016 see him as one of the best in Europe and Chelsea certainly need a defensive rock in their squad.
With John Terry’s decline and Gary Cahill’s dip in form, Conte will need a strong presence at the back to to stand any chance of reviving Chelsea’s season after club’s horrendous 2015/16 campaign.
Add to that, Bonucci’s familiarity of playing in the 3-5-2 formation under Conte will be a huge advantage for the Italian manager when he takes charge at Stamford Bridge next season.
This does seem like a win-win situation for both player and the club as the transfer is expected to be finalized in coming weeks despite the obvious unwillingness from the Serie A Champions.